Olivos Park

Olivos Park sits in Leganés, a city just south of Madrid, within the Zarzaquemada neighborhood. It rarely makes it onto a visitor's shortlist of Madrid attractions, yet for locals it functions as a daily green refuge, and for anyone exploring Leganés beyond the city center it's a worthwhile, low-key stop.

Where is the park and how do you get there?

The park covers roughly 9 hectares (about 90,000 square meters) and sits directly across the street from Parque de la Chopera. The easiest way in is by metro: Julián Besteiro station is around a 10-minute walk from the entrance. Zarzaquemada train station offers another short-walk approach if you're arriving by rail. Drivers will find residential streets nearby with some parking, though spaces can get tight during peak hours, as in most densely built parts of Leganés.

What is there to see inside the park?

The park's defining feature is a stand of century-old olive trees, which gave it its name. They share the grounds with conifers and other leafy trees, casting welcome shade during Madrid's hot summers. At the center sits a pond with an ornamental fountain, the Fuente de los Olivos, reached by a walking path that threads through the park and connects to the children's play area. This combination — old trees, still water, and quiet paths — gives the park a more intimate, garden-like feel than the larger showcase parks in central Madrid.

What can families and children do here?

A dedicated playground makes the park a natural pick for a family afternoon, and drinking-water points around the grounds make longer visits easier, especially in summer heat. The paths are flat and even, suitable for strollers as well as jogging, and many Zarzaquemada residents treat the park as a regular exercise route rather than just a place to sit.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning or late afternoon works best, when the trees provide shade and temperatures are more comfortable — central Spain's summers can get intensely hot. Spring and autumn show off the park's greenery and pond to best effect, making a walk around the water especially pleasant. As an open public space, the park has no fixed opening hours or entry restrictions typical of ticketed attractions.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Olivos Park? It covers roughly 9 hectares, making it a mid-sized neighborhood park — smaller than Madrid's grand central parks, but large enough for an unhurried walk.

Is there anything for children? Yes, the park has a dedicated playground area linked by path to the central pond and fountain.

How do you reach the park without a car? The nearest metro stop is Julián Besteiro, about a 10-minute walk away; Zarzaquemada train station is another nearby option.

How does it differ from the neighboring Parque de la Chopera? The two parks face each other across the street, but Olivos Park stands out for its mature olive trees and the fountain-fed pond, giving it a more garden-like, intimate atmosphere than its neighbor.